First Cafe (Diyi Kafei)
The best cocktails this side of Shanghai. While the main qualification of most of Beijing's bartenders is a willingness to work for less than $1 per hour, the First Cafe houses a couple of bartenders who take their craft very, very seriously. The intimate, softly lit bar is becoming so popular the owner may soon be forced to decorate the downstairs lounge properly. For now, appreciate the jazz soundtrack and dark wood paneling of the upstairs section. Poaching of staff is rife; those who appreciate a dirty martini pray that George stays put. Open 7pm till 2am.
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| Location | Nan San Li Tun Lu (100m/328 ft. south of the giant beer mug, on the east side of the street) | |
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| Phone | 010/6501-8812 | |